The Orange Beach Wildlife Center and Management Program successfully nursed and released a bald eagle that had been under their care for the past five months. The eagle, initially found with an injured left wing, was unable to fly when discovered in a local’s yard late last year.

The eagle's journey to recovery began when Mr. and Mrs. Renfroe, the finders, transported the bird to the wildlife center on New Year’s Eve, marking it the last patient of 2023. 

Despite the absence of fractures in initial X-rays, the eagle exhibited a droop in its left wing, indicating potential nerve damage. The Wildlife Center’s team, alongside Dr. Schreiber from Dykes Veterinary Clinic, implemented a treatment plan. This included wing wraps, physical therapy, medications, and extensive rest. Over several weeks, the eagle began to hold its wing upright, signaling improvement.

Once stable, the eagle was moved to an aviary for flight conditioning. The process was lengthy, but the efforts of the center's staff were rewarded when the bird regained its ability to fly. The eagle was then driven back to its original location by Jeffrey Johnson, a Coastal Resources employee and former wildlife volunteer, for its release.

The wildlife center extended heartfelt thanks to the Renfroes for their efforts and generous donation, Dr. Schreiber for his timely assistance, and Jeffrey Johnson for facilitating the release. Special appreciation was also given to the center's staff for their relentless work during the eagle's rehabilitation.